By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

With the earnings from the recent fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 17, as well as local business support, the Perham Masonic Lodge #157 AF & AM were able to donate fire suppression tools (FSTs) around the area to local emergency responders including the New York Mills Police Department.

The idea came from a similar fundraiser that a Masons Lodge in Wisconsin undertook and was well received. Kenny Friese, active Mason of the Perham Lodge, said that about 150 people attended the event in mid-February and much of the funds were also donated by the Minnesota Masonic Charities, who offers matching funds to Masonic Lodges across the state, as well as scholarships for school-aged students.

“These (FSTs) retail for about $1,200,” said Friese. “Grand Lodge bought them for $1,000 and Minnesota Masonic Charities bought down $700, so it cost the Lodge only $300.”

The FST devices have 15 year batter life spans, can be stored in conditions down to 50 degrees below zero, and can easily fit in the vehicle of any emergency responder. They are readily available for those who arrive first to a scene of a fire, oftentimes local law enforcement officers, to pull the pins and throw through an opening in a burning building to create a safe passageway for would-be fire victims to escape. They can also provide crucial minutes and seconds before firefighters arrive on the scene.

The NY Mills Police Department received three FSTs, while Perham Fire Department received two, Wadena received three, Verndale received one and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department received 10.

“We’re not done yet,” said Friese of raising funds for the FSTs. “We’re not trying to make firefighters out of them, but we’re just trying to give them another tool.”